This User Is Disabled Scam
Written by Tomas Meskauskas on (updated)
What is "This User Is Disabled"?
"This User Is Disabled" is a fake error displayed by an adware-type application called Power Cam. It was first discovered by Lawrence Abrams. This adware infiltrates the system during installation of other (often free) software. Following successful infiltration, Power Cam locks the computer screen and displays an error message.
Research shows that adware-type applications are also likely to gather information relating to users' Internet browsing activity and display intrusive online advertisements.
"This User Is Disabled" error states that malicious files have been found and, therefore, the system User is locked. To solve the problem and remove the "viruses", victims must contact "Certified Technicians" via a telephone number provided (1-914-465-0012). They will then receive help to remove them and resolve the problem.
Be aware, however, that "This User Is Disabled" is a scam. Cyber criminals attempt to scare victims and trick them into calling and paying for services that are not needed. Paying will simply support their malicious businesses. The screen also contains several buttons, one of which allows victims to open Windows Command Prompt (so-called "cmd").
Advanced users can take advantage of this (for example, open the Task Manager) and remove the "This User Is Disabled" virus. Furthermore, Power Cam might display intrusive advertisements, which are delivered using a 'virtual layer' - a tool that enables placement of third party graphical content on any site. These ads often conceal underlying content of visited websites.
Furthermore, some redirect to malicious websites - even accidental clicks can result in high-risk computer infections.
In addition, Power Cam often gathers data containing private details (IP addresses, geo-locations, mouse/keyboard activity, websites visited, search queries, pages viewed, etc.) The data is shared with third parties who generate revenue by misusing personal information.
Thus, the presence of an information-tracking app on your system might lead to serious privacy issues or even identity theft. In summary, you should ignore "This User Is Disabled" error and uninstall Power Cam adware.
There are dozens of scam errors similar to "This User Is Disabled". Examples include Microsoft Security Essential Toll Free, Notice Of Imposition Of Fine, You Have A ALUREON Virus, and many others. These viruses usually claim that the system corrupted, infected, missing files, or damaged in other ways.
They encourage victims to call to request help, however, these instructions are bogus. The only purpose of these viruses is to scam victims.
Viruses such as "This User Is Disabled" are often distributed via spam emails (infectious attachments), third party software download sources (peer-to-peer networks, free file hosting sites, freeware download websites, etc.), fake software update tools, and trojans.
Therefore, be cautious when opening files received from unrecognizable/suspicious emails and never download software/files from third unofficial sources. Keeping your installed software up-to-date and using a legitimate anti-virus/anti-spyware suite is also paramount.
"This User Is Disabled" error message:
Call Technician Now at 1-914-465-0012 (Toll-free)
This user is disabled due to some malicious files found in system, ensure you have complete protection. Call Technician Now 1-914-465-0012
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Quick menu:
- What is "This User Is Disabled"?
- STEP 1. "This User Is Disabled" virus removal using safe mode with networking.
- STEP 2. "This User Is Disabled" virus removal using System Restore.
"This User Is Disabled" virus removal:
Step 1
Windows XP and Windows 7 users: Start your computer in Safe Mode. Click Start, click Shut Down, click Restart, click OK. During your computer starting process press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until you see the Windows Advanced Option menu, then select Safe Mode with Networking from the list.
Video showing how to start Windows 7 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 8 users: Go to the Windows 8 Start Screen, type Advanced, in the search results select Settings. Click on Advanced Startup options, in the opened "General PC Settings" window select Advanced Startup. Click on the "Restart now" button. Your computer will now restart into "Advanced Startup options menu".
Click on the "Troubleshoot" button, then click on "Advanced options" button. In the advanced option screen click on "Startup settings". Click on the "Restart" button. Your PC will restart into the Startup Settings screen. Press "5" to boot in Safe Mode with Networking Prompt.
Video showing how to start Windows 8 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Windows 10 users: Click the Windows logo and select the Power icon. In the opened menu click "Restart" while holding "Shift" button on your keyboard. In the "choose an option" window click on the "Troubleshoot", next select "Advanced options".
In the advanced options menu select "Startup Settings" and click on the "Restart" button. In the following window you should click the "F5" button on your keyboard. This will restart your operating system in safe mode with networking.
Video showing how to start Windows 10 in "Safe Mode with Networking":
Step 2
Log in to the account infected with the "This User Is Disabled" virus. Start your Internet browser and download a legitimate anti-spyware program. Update the anti-spyware software and start a full system scan. Remove all entries detected.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking, try performing a System Restore.
Video showing how to remove viruses using "Safe Mode with Command Prompt" and "System Restore":
1. During your computer starting process, press the F8 key on your keyboard multiple times until the Windows Advanced Options menu appears, and then select Safe Mode with Command Prompt from the list and press ENTER.
2. When Command Prompt Mode loads, enter the following line: cd restore and press ENTER.
3. Next, type this line: rstrui.exe and press ENTER.
4. In the opened window, click "Next".
5. Select one of the available Restore Points and click "Next" (this will restore your computer system to an earlier time and date, prior to the "This User Is Disabled" virus infiltrating your PC).
6. In the opened window, click "Yes".
7. After restoring your computer to a previous date, download and scan your PC with recommended malware removal software to eliminate any remnants of the "This User Is Disabled" virus.
If you cannot start your computer in Safe Mode with Networking (or with Command Prompt), boot your computer using a rescue disk.
Some viruses disable Safe Mode making its removal complicated. For this step, you require access to another computer. After removing "This User Is Disabled" virus from your PC, restart your computer and scan it with legitimate anti-spyware software to remove any possible remnants of this security infection.
Other tools known to remove this scam:
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